Oil level rising

[OregonAaron]

John Deere 1520- starts easy and runs well. the oil level has risen quite a bit and I haven t had to add oil in quite some time. From looking around on the engine it seems as there can only be 2 culprits- coolant or fuel is making its way to the crankcase. It s not milky or strange looking and the smell of the dip stick oil smells oily. It seems as the only way for fuel to reach the crank case is via the lift pump diagram. Also around this lift pump the gasket is leaking a bit. That would be my thoughts- can someone please tell me if I am missing something or if there are other options?

 

[DanielW]

You're correct. I'm guessing the 1520 has the same lift pump as the other Mannheim diesels? I had to rebuild the lift pump in my 2120 for exactly the same reason - diaphragm got old and developed some very small cracks. It still pumped fuel and ran, but
started to slowly leak into the crankcase. I also had the same issue on an Allis 180 - I'm thinking newer fuels and additives aren't too kind to those old diaphragms. If it's not running abnormally that would be my guess, but also worth looking in the
rad while it's running to see if it's continuously bubbling, and making sure the coolant isn't dropping over time.

 

[OregonAaron]

This pump is only a few years old. I guess they don t make em like they used to. I think it was made by carter if memory serves me.

 

[DanielW]

If it's a Carter pump, it should have held up longer than that. Hmm, hopefully it's not a head gasket issue. If the oil level is really full, try draining half a cup full onto the ground and lighting it on fire. If it catches easily, it's diluted with
diesel. But that would only happen if it were really diluted. Maybe pull the pump off and see if you can see traces of diesel leaking through? Definitely worth doing the rad check with the cap off while it's running to look for bubbles.

If you need to rebuild the fuel pump, the experts (especially in Carter pumps) are 'Then and Now Automotive', in Weymouth, MA. They can put together a pump rebuild kit for just about anything, and can ship anywhere.

 

[OregonAaron]

I m not 100% positive it was a carter. I do recall when i installed it the primer lever responded very strange. If coolant was getting in I would assume that I would have a oil pan milkshake and I definitely do not have that. I looked under the oil filter cap and it did not have any of that light brown Vaseline looking goo under it as would point to excessive moisture in the oil pan. In a couple days I will pull the pump and give it a good inspection. At least it is very easy to remove!

 

[OregonAaron]

After looking around online it appears as there are two different styles of pumps. One does not look rebuildable and the other does. The one I have now definitely does not look like you can rebuild it. Here are pics of the different styles.

 

[OregonAaron]

After looking around online it appears as there are two different styles of pumps. One does not look rebuildable and the other does. The one I have now definitely does not look like you can rebuild it. Here are pics of the different styles.

 

[tomstractorsandtoys]

Replace the primer pump but it could be your injection pump. Usually the little pump cures it. Tom

 

[OregonAaron]

My injection pump was rebuilt a couple years ago by dieseltech- I assume that it is good, that guy sure seems to know his stuff!

 

[OregonAaron]

This tractor is sitting on some property quite distance from my house so I go check on this every few days. I dumped the oil today and it does not have any coolant in it. It s just black and very thin- I m assuming is from the fuel mix in. Checked on a few other items and now I m going to order parts